Sports
Ghana’s Boss Proud Of Black Stars
There was pride in defeat for Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac after his side’s World Cup dream was shattered by Uruguay in a penalty shoot-out at the quarterfinal stage.
The winning spot-kick was converted in audacious style by Uruguay’s Sebastian Abreu after Diego Forlan had cancelled out Sulley Muntari’s first-half opener.
“The whole of Africa supported us,” said Rajevac. “We didn’t deserve to lose this way.
“It’s difficult, but we’re proud of what we achieved”.
Ghana were bearing the hopes of a continent and the weight of a history showing that no African side has ever made it beyond the last eight of the World Cup.
Yet they twice looked poised to eclipse the achievements of Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002.
Ghana’s first glimpse of glory, which came when Muntari fired in from 35 yards in first-half injury time, was snuffed out by Forlan’s 55th-minute equaliser.
Their second came in the dying moments of extra time, when Luis Suarez handled on the line and the referee, Olegario Benquerenca awarded Ghana a penalty.
As Africa held its collective breath, Asamoah Gyan stepped up, but could only skim the crossbar with his spot-kick.
“I think we had more opportunities than our opponents, but that’s football,” added Rajevac, the wily Serbian who has sought to add European pragmatism to Ghana’s natural flair.
“We really had good support and it would have been a fairytale, but I would like to congratulate Uruguay. I’m very proud.”
Ghana defender John Pantsil warned Gyan not to let the spot-kick miss have a long-term affect on his future.
“We said to Asamoah that anyone can miss a penalty and it is part of football and it was the only mistake he made,” said the Fulham defender.
“In fact, it was not a mistake at all. It is part of football and he kicked it from his heart and we all wanted to win the game. We have been talking to him. He is feeling bad about that. It is not easy just to forget about something like that.
“As his team-mates, we have to keep him with us and talk to him about it so he can forget about it as soon as possible.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.